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Chemical Engineering Graduate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Senior Propellant Chemical Engineer

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$76K - $142K/yr

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering and 4 years of prior related technical experience in energetic materials. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 ...

BCForward

Machining Manufacturing Engineer

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline with a minimum of 6 years of prior relevant engineering experience OR Graduate degree in ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Chemical Engineering Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Chemical Engineering Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...

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All JobsChemical Engineering Graduate JobsChemical Engineering Graduate Jobs in Virginia

Chemical Engineering Graduate information

See Virginia salary details

$39.7K

$86.7K

$138.8K

How much do chemical engineering graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineering graduate in Virginia is $86,736.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,900.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chemical engineering graduate?

Chemical engineering graduates are individuals who have completed a degree in chemical engineering, typically at the bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level. They are trained to apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to solve problems related to the production and use of chemicals, fuels, drugs, food, and other products. These graduates often work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, environmental protection, and materials manufacturing. Their education equips them with skills in process design, safety management, and problem-solving, making them valuable in both research and industrial settings.

What types of projects does a chemical engineering graduate typically work on in their first year at a company?

In their first year, chemical engineering graduates often engage in a mix of process optimization, data analysis, and hands-on support for plant operations or product development. They may assist senior engineers with troubleshooting production issues, running experiments, or implementing efficiency improvements. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as quality control, safety, and maintenance, is common, providing valuable exposure to different aspects of the business. This early experience helps new graduates build both technical skills and a strong professional network within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical engineering graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Engineering Graduate, you need a solid background in chemistry, mathematics, and process engineering, typically achieved through an accredited chemical engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen Plus or MATLAB) and safety certification (such as OSHA training) is often expected. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills set successful graduates apart in both laboratory and industrial environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for solving complex problems, ensuring safety, and contributing effectively to multidisciplinary teams in chemical industries.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineering Graduate vs Chemical Process Technician?

AspectChemical Engineering GraduateChemical Process Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate degree, technical training
Work EnvironmentDesign, research, and development labs; office settings; some plant workManufacturing plants; production floors; operational settings
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, chemical companies, R&D departmentsProcessing plants, manufacturing facilities, chemical production

In summary, a Chemical Engineering Graduate typically focuses on designing processes, research, and development, requiring a bachelor's degree. In contrast, a Chemical Process Technician works directly on plant operations, often with technical training or an associate degree, and handles day-to-day manufacturing tasks.

What jobs can I get with a master's in chemical engineering?

A master's in chemical engineering qualifies graduates for roles such as process engineer, chemical engineer, or project engineer in industries like pharmaceuticals, energy, or manufacturing. These positions often require knowledge of process design, safety protocols, and proficiency with simulation tools like Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB.

What jobs do chemical engineering graduates get?

Chemical engineering graduates often find employment as process engineers, chemical engineers, plant managers, or quality control engineers. They work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, manufacturing, and environmental services, utilizing skills in process design, safety protocols, and laboratory analysis.

Where can a chemical engineering graduate work?

Chemical engineering graduates can work in industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, environmental engineering, and materials manufacturing. They often find roles in process design, plant operations, research and development, and safety management, utilizing skills in chemistry, mathematics, and process simulation tools.

What are popular job titles related to Chemical Engineering Graduate jobs in Virginia?

For Chemical Engineering Graduate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineering Graduate jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineering Graduate jobs in Virginia are:

Chemical Engineering Graduate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineering Graduate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,736 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Senior Propellant Chemical Engineer

L3HHCM20

Culpeper, VA • On-site

$76K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Specialist, Materials & Process Engineering

Job Code: 42418

Job Location: Camden, AR OR Culpeper, VA

Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week 

Job Description:

The Missile Solutions Segment of L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Senior Propellant Chemical Engineer.  This forward-deployed propellant chemist role within the Propulsion Materials and Process Engineering team performs assignments requiring an application of advanced principles, theories and concepts in the propulsion field with an emphasis on propellant chemistry technology and manufacturing with a working knowledge of other related disciplines (thermal and structural), working directly with Propellant Operations. Experience in process control, lean manufacturing best practices, and manufacturing operations experience of items such as propellants, explosives and liners is desired.

Essential Functions:

  • Designs, develops and modifies processes and methods for the manufacture and utilization of various solid rocket propellants and energetics formulations.
  • Provides imaginative, thorough and practical solutions to a wide range of technical problems through the application of chemistry and/or chemical engineering disciplines and tools.
  • Participation in design processes including trade studies, supplier selection, concurrent design and development, materials characterization, data analysis, and drawing review.
  • Responsible for the preparation, execution and maintenance of materials and process specifications, and materials control plans (i.e. PMPP, corrosion control and contamination control plans).
  • Analyzes materials and material components to establish operating data, conducts experimental or laboratory tests and evaluates results. Selects materials for inclusion in products based on analysis of specifications and reliability.
  • Completes documentation and procedures for processing, testing and use of materials.
  • Drives corrective and preventive action to ensure continual improvement: Investigates and determines root causes of problems, develops and implements corrective and preventive actions, including leading failure investigations.
  • Ability to obtain a US Secret Security Clearance.

Qualifications:

  • Requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering and 4 years of prior related technical experience in energetic materials. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience. 

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering or related science discipline preferred.
  • Knowledge of chemical principles, thermodynamics, polymer chemistry, structure/property relationships, kinetics, and data analysis.
  • Experience with energetic materials, statistical analysis, programming and experimental set-up and data acquisition is a plus.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia is $76,500 - $142,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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